SIGHTSEEING

Kokura Castle: A Blend of Historical Grandeur and Modern Nighttime Charm

2023.11.10

Nestled just a 9-minute walk from JR Nishi-Kokura Station lies Kokura Castle, a fortress constructed over a seven-year period starting in 1602 by Hosokawa Tadaoki. With its majestic and commanding donjon, Kokura Castle is an interactive tourist destination that spans five floors, boasting affordability as one of its attractions. The castle offers an immersive theater experience, exhibits detailing the lives of the famous swordsmen Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojirō – known for their duel on Ganryū Island – and various events. Notably, the fifth-floor observation area features performances by the “Kokura Castle Samurai Troop” and even hosts a tower bar, providing a deep dive into the castle’s history and culture.

Illuminated Evenings at Kokura Castle

Each night, Kokura Castle is bathed in light, presenting a mystical visage distinctly different from its daytime appearance. On Saturdays, the event dubbed “Night Castle” keeps the castle open until 10 p.m., allowing visitors to indulge in a sophisticated adult experience at the night bar on the top floor, all while enjoying the panoramic city lights. Private parties can also be arranged within the tower.

Cherry Blossoms Galore at Kokura Castle

The castle’s surroundings come alive with around 300 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry varieties, creating a stunning sea of pink blossoms. While the view from the ground is breathtaking, the vista from the tower is said to be equally spectacular, offering a picturesque scene of blooms from above.

Access

– About a 15-minute walk from JR Kokura Station
– Around a 10-minute walk from JR Nishi-Kokura Station

Admission Fees

– Adults: 350 yen
– High school and junior high students: 200 yen
– Elementary school students: 100 yen

For a variety of events and the latest information, be sure to visit the official website: https://www.kokura-castle.jp/

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